Google to help Welsh businesses get online

The Welsh government has revealed that it is working with internet giant Google to motivate more Welsh businesses to establish or improve their presence online.

An event in Cardiff today (6 March 2012) will see Welsh business minister Edwina Hart and Google UK managing director Dan Cobley speak to 400 delegates, marking the start of a series of free advice and training sessions across the country named Getting Welsh Business Online.

Government figures analysed by Google in January 2012 showed that 40 per cent of Welsh companies do not have a website of their own, while 33 per cent have no access to sell their services and products online.

Google has devised a roadshow named the 'Juice Bar' which will travel around Wales for three months, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with their web shortcomings. The company will then train digital agencies throughout the country to deliver their teachings to more businesses.

Helping and educating businesses

Google is keen to teach companies that increased internet activity will contribute to the growth of the Welsh economy - and, furthermore, it is easier to get online than they might think. The company ran a similar campaign for Liverpool businesses in 2011.

Ms Hart said: "By working with Google on this exciting initiative, we will be helping and educating many of these small businesses to access the type of support and advice they need, to access new markets and opportunities to reach new internet customers across the UK and beyond."

After today's event, which is to be held at Cardiff's Coal Exchange at 4pm (GMT), sessions will follow in Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham.

Daniel Nolan, managing director at theEword, said: "Today it is common to expect that all businesses have a website, but the truth is that many companies find the prospect daunting and don't know where to start. This is a significant problem in Wales and elsewehere, so it's positive that Google has stepped forward to offer its expertise."